Oral Cancer Screenings in Kernersville, NC
Not only is a dentist an expert at treating teeth and gums, but they treat other ailments within the mouth, neck, and head. To help detect a deadly type of cancer, our dentist near you does oral cancer screenings in Kernersville, NC during routine examinations.
How We Do an Oral Cancer Screening
Dr. Murray at Welden Village Dental will do an oral cancer screening during one of your routine visits or if you go to see them about symptoms you’re having that indicate oral cancer. It’s recommended the screenings take place every year, so if you maintain regular dental visits, then they will do yours at least once, if not twice, a year.
The screening is quick, and our dentist can do it while they are examining your teeth. They check the mouth and cheek tissues for red or white spots and sores that are not healing. After putting on gloves, our dentist feels along the outside of the neck, cheeks, tongue, and around the lips for hard lumps. These screenings can detect oral cancer in its early stages, which is when it’s most curable.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Along with the red or white spots and lumps, oral cancer has several other symptoms that include:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A sore or lump in the mouth, throat, or lips
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Swelling around the jaw
- A sore throat that lingers
Don’t panic if you have any of these symptoms because they could be from other issues, such as strep throat, canker sores, or fever blisters. However, if the symptoms linger for two weeks or more, make an appointment to have our dentist in Kernersville, NC examine the symptoms.
Although our dentist at Welden Village Dental can help detect oral cancer, they don’t treat it. If they find anything suspicious, they will encourage you to make an appointment with your physician or an oncologist to have a more thorough examination.
If caught early, all forms of oral cancer are curable. So, if you suspect something is wrong in your mouth or throat, make an appointment with Dr. Murray for oral cancer screenings near you.
FAQs
Your dentist examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, throat, and neck for unusual spots, lumps, or changes in tissue. They may also gently feel certain areas to check for swelling or firmness that could indicate changes below the surface.
Early detection helps identify abnormalities before symptoms appear, which can lead to more effective treatment. Screenings are also helpful because many early changes can look subtle and may not be noticed at home.
Screenings are typically included in routine dental exams twice a year, though high-risk patients may need them more frequently. Your dentist may recommend closer monitoring if you have risk factors or a history of concerning tissue changes.
Persistent sores, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained lumps should be evaluated promptly. Changes that last longer than two weeks, especially if they don’t heal, are a good reason to schedule an exam.
No—screenings are quick, visual, and painless. Your dentist may gently feel surrounding tissues to check for abnormalities. The evaluation typically takes only a few minutes and is part of a normal preventive visit.
Tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers, individuals over 40, and those with high sun exposure or HPV risk factors may benefit from more frequent checks. Your dentist may also recommend regular screenings if you’ve had prior suspicious lesions or chronic irritation.
You receive thorough evaluations during each preventive visit, helping monitor your oral health over time. The team tracks changes and can recommend next steps if anything looks unusual, so concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
